History's unscripted series "Swamp People" returns for its ninth season Thursday night (Feb. 1). If the storyline of the first episode is any guide, it could be the last.

In the two-hour Season 9 debut, which begins at 8 p.m. CT, the alligator hunters whose lives are chronicled in the Louisiana-shot series find themselves in an industry that appears to be dying, a victim of record low prices.

"This year the price is the lowest it's ever been in history," alligator hunter Troy Landry says in a newly released clip from the season premiere. "You can't pay your bills with that kind of money. And the whole industry is crumbing."

That forces the show's hunters into a multi-family alliance in a bid to remain in business -- and hold on to their way of life.

As a production-provided synopsis reads: "Facing bigger obstacles than ever before, Troy calls a meeting of the patriarchs from the swamp's main gator hunting families: RJ Molinere, Daniel Edgar and Bruce Mitchell. Together, they form a 'Cajun Cartel,' and for the first time ever, they put their differences aside to work as a team, and fight to keep their industry alive."

Check out a clip from the Season 9 premiere of "Swamp People" in the video below. You can watch the full two-hour premiere at 8 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 1). It will be preceded by a "Swamp People" marathon.